Join PLA
Why Join PLA?
PLA is here for you throughout your career, offering endless opportunities to grow professionally and make an impact in the public library field.
In addition to the numerous benefits provided by your ALA membership, PLA personal membership connects you to a wealth of resources and expansive network of public library people just like you.
Member Benefits
PLA members receive access to exclusive resources, including:
- A free subscription to Public Libraries magazine (a $65 value). Published six times a year, each issue includes peer-written and peer-reviewed articles on professional trends and best practices in the public library field. Members can catch up on weekly news by reading Public Libraries Online.
- Biweekly delivery of PLA Insider, the members-only e-newsletter filled with industry news, professional development opportunities, member stories, job listings, and grants and scholarships
- Access to the PLA Member Community and Member Library in ALA Connect, where members can connect, discuss important topics affecting their work, and find member-only resources (login required)
PLA provides members with endless opportunities to grow their professional skills, including:
- Free member-only webinars and 40% discount on PLA paid webinars
- Volunteer opportunities with PLA committees and advisory groups that work on critical issues for the association and profession, such as data, advocacy, leadership development, equity and diversity, conferences, and more
- Publishing opportunities in Public Libraries and on Public Libraries Online, or through developing a unique professional publication
- Opportunities to present webinars and conference programs at ALA Annual Conference and PLA Conference
In addition to ALA member discounts, PLA members receive:
- A 40% discount on PLA webinars
- An up to 50% discount on events like PLA Conference and PLA preconferences at ALA Annual Conferences
- An additional 10% discount on PLA products in the online ALA Store
Quick Links
PLA members are connected to a community of nearly 9,000 public library colleagues where they can share skills and develop new ones together. Members receive:
- Exclusive access to the PLA Member Community and PLA interest groups on ALA Connect (login required*) where members engage with public library people who share the same interests
- Access to the Member Lounge during PLA Conference where members participate in discussion topics, crafting, and networking
- Opportunities to connect virtually in town hall forums and member-only webinars
Annual Dues
PLA personal membership annual dues are as follows (effective September 1, 2023–August 31, 2024):
| Regular member | $85 |
|---|---|
| International member | $62 |
| Trustee and associate members This category includes those who are not employed in library and information services or related activities but are committed supporters. |
$85 |
| Non-salaried or retired member This category includes those who are retired, unemployed, or employed in a library service position at a salary less than $45,000 a year. |
$62 |
| Student member | $36 |
Please note: You must be a personal member of the American Library Association (ALA) to join PLA. Membership rates listed above do not include the price of ALA personal membership. Information about ALA dues is available online.
Your institution can also show its support for public libraries and receive access to valuable professional resources for its staff by becoming an Organizational Member in PLA.
How to Join
There are three convenient ways to join PLA/ALA.
- Join securely online.
- Print and fill out a membership form and fax or mail it in.
- Call the ALA Member Relations & Services Center at 1-800-545-2433.
Paying Dues in Installments
Personal members whose annual dues total $135 or more in any combination of ALA, divisions, sections, and round tables may choose to pay in two equal installments when joining with a credit or debit card. Learn more about paying dues in installments.
Questions?
If you have questions regarding membership dues or becoming a member, please contact the ALA Member Relations & Services Center at membership@ala.org or 1-800-545-2433. Customer service representatives are available to assist you Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM Central.
